I do not get why a lot of my fellow gamers like achievements.  I could care less about them. 

Before anyone goes all off, I own all of the current consoles and hand helds. I have my own personal tastes, but I try family friendly and Christian friendly games on all machines.

For those that like achievements, please explain it to me.  What do you like about them? Do you use that to pick up chicks? Does it help passing the driving exam? Do you use it in conversation anywhere?

Do you get any real money for any achievements? Free games? DVDs? Something? Is it just a look at me I'm Sandra Dee?

Most of the gaming sites talk about achievements like its the greatest thing since the Holy Bible. Not one has ever explained why its so great. And I don't get it.  Esplain it to me.

Don't insult people who like achievements just because you don't understand them. They add an extra sort of accomplishment, motivate you to do certain tasks you wouldn't do in the game otherwise, and add an artificial but often positive addition of pacing to the game. I'm not so obsessed with them that I'll try to get ones that will take hours to get or buy games solely for their achievements, but I find enjoyment in them.

^^^ like he said.

In Geometry Wars 1 and 2 say, the achievements add so much to the game.  Goals you wouldnt do normally.

Same with gears of war 1 and 2 or Fable 2, or even dead rising.

After you beat a game, they keep you coming back for more.

And the tough ones, like some in left for dead, are a badge of honour to some.

i think they add replayability they give u something to stride 4 in a second playthrough,and m$ said they might offer u stuff in u get more gamerscore

It's about extending the life of a game, to me.

When I've finished a game, if I've really liked it, then it gives me an incentive to go back and play it again.

If I've not really liked the game then I couldn't care less about them.

To be honest, it's not until I've finished a game and decided on whether I've liked it enough to play it again that I even look at the achievements. And even then the score doesn't bother me, just the task it wants me to do.

Heck, I even drove round san andreas for hours making jumps just to get a number closer to 100%. I didn't even get points to show off for it back then.

I played Sonic the Hedhehog 1 and 2 on my sega genesis probaly 300+ times. But there is an Xbox 360 version now that gives me goals and rewards me points if I:
-Beat it under an hour
-Get all chaos emeralds
etc...

Adds replayability to games you've played and loved for many years.

Its also another motivator to go through the game on a harder difficulty setting...

It obviously it was a good enough invention that Sony had to copy it for their system.

achievements are fun to earn but dont take them too seriously like some people ive met on xbl have done

They're evidence. I got more points than you in Geometry Wars. I beat Akuma in Super Street Fighter. I used all of the weapons in Gears of War. I finished Call of Duty 4 on a harder level. I can give you my word or you can look at my Achievements.

Go ahead. Look at my e-penis. It won't hurt you.

I dont actively hunt achievements, but when i get one im happy. And um, what exactly is a christian friendly game?

 Howmany points did you get in Geometry Wars?